ADDISON — A Gallia County sheriff’s deputy allegedly crashed into a tree shortly before 10 a.m. on Memorial Day on State Route 7 north of Addison, resulting in extreme damage to the vehicle and minor injuries to the driver.

At about 9:45 a.m. Monday, Deputy John Grant, 20, of the Gallia County Sheriff’s Office, allegedly lost control of the cruiser. He went off the right side of the road before striking a tree, causing severe damage to the vehicle. He was traveling south between Pomeroy and Addison coming off a curve in the road. According to reports, the deputy’s left lower arm and right knee suffered minor injuries. Damage to the vehicle was listed as disabling.

The vehicle was a 2009 Crown Victoria Police Interceptor. According to Gallia Sheriff Joe Browning, the cruiser was a “spare” vehicle often used by officers patrolling roads part-time.

“It doesn’t have to be replaced right away,” Browning said.

Browning said Grant was due to return back to work later in the week.

Grant was cited for failure to control by the Ohio State Highway Patrol. According to Browning, the issue is still under investigation. Browning said this is the first driving problem they have had with Grant.

“We’ll have to take a look at it,” Browning said. “We’ll check it out and see what it warrants. Usually when we have officer-involved crashes where they are at fault, we have some retraining that takes place, remedial sessions on safety and driving and things like that. (Grant) is a good guy and a smart deputy and I’m sure he’ll learn from this.”